Road safety ‘everybody’s business’

Eurobodalla’s emergency service agencies have joined forces for National Road Safety Week to urge local motorists to commit to safe driving.

Council’s road safety officer Kate McDougall said more than 1,220 people were killed and another 35,000 seriously injured on Australian roads every year.

“Traffic injury is the biggest killer of Australian children under 15 and the second-biggest killer of all Australians aged between 15 and 24. Most importantly it is preventable,” she said.

“From 15 to 22 November, we are shining a light on this deadly issue - honouring those we have lost and pledging to make the roads safer for everyone.”

National Road Safety Week asks motorists to pledge to drive as if their loved ones are on the road ahead, to remove all distractions and never use a phone while driving, to not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and to protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.

Sergeant Angus Duncombe from the southern region Highway Patrol said the mantra was simple: “Road safety is everybody’s business”.

“We seek a commitment from all road users of all ages and driving experience to ensure they are vigilant with obeying the road rules - from adhering the speed limits, avoiding operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and wearing their seatbelt, as well as avoiding driving whilst fatigued,” he said.

NSW Fire and Rescue Batemans Bay station Commander Craig Mashman said 50 per cent of their callouts were road-based work, from clearing crashes to cleaning spillages.

“The emergency services all work together. We are the people you don’t actually want to see on the road,” he said.

Emergency service fleets including ambulance, fire trucks and police cars in Eurobodalla will display yellow ribbons for National Road Safety Week, while residents can pick up road safety goodies from either Batemans Bay, Moruya or Narooma Library.